FAQs About Real-Estate Representation

Some useful information on selecting an agent - and why it's important to do so!

The purchase or sale of a home is one of the most important and financially-critical decisions a person can make. Buyers and sellers not only need, but deserve top-drawer representation at every step of the process. An experienced and diligent agent can make the difference between a disastrous decision or one that will enhance your lifestyle positively and joyfully. Agent competence isn’t just responsive, courteous service — it involves significant knowledge, experience, networking, detail orientation, and competent negotiation skills. An excellent agent will provide guidance while respecting your wishes and will seek maximum benefit to his or her client while minimizing potential litigious situations. I am a full time agent and personally closed over 45 transactions in 2016; I take my responsibility to you seriously. Every facet of your transaction will be personally handled by me with the same care and diligence I would provide a family member.

Yes, it’s true: it’s a buyer’s market for realtors! Mention aloud that you’re property-shopping and you’re likely to be inundated with referrals, business cards and friends calling in old favors. The sale or purchase of a home is far too important to risk sub-standard representation — your financial well-being and your lifestyle depend on it. Although our heart often tells us to let Cousin Dwight help us out, our head should remind us that experience, commitment and skills are critical.

Experience and a proven track record of buyer/seller representation are mandatory. Think about the medical field: even though every surgeon has to do that first surgery, do you really want to be the first patient? Neither do you want a doctor who “dabbles in medicine” as a side job. Your buying or selling representation is important; entrust it to a credentialed professional who’ll give you outstanding service. The most important reason I am a top 1% agent is I put my clients first.

Moving to a new community brings unique challenges. Naturally, everyone who’s selling a house will want to sell you on the merits of their neighborhood. Make sure you are represented by an agent knowledgeable in the region you’re moving to, the identity of communities throughout the area, and local ordinances, tax laws and other governmental entities that may impact your own lifestyle. Your agent should know important features of particular areas, amenities, taxes, school rankings, and other details that are potentially important to you in making your decision. Drive potential areas of interest at different times of the day and week, interview your agent, neighbors, friends and others with personal knowledge of the area. Ask your agent for neighborhood data and home statistics; every area is different and specialization counts!

It’s only human nature: when you’re dealing directly with sellers and seller agents, their priority is their own interests and profits. Even the odds by having someone with the knowledge and experience to protect your interests. A buyer’s agent will consider the overall market, comparable properties, and area trends. They’ll also scrutinize the details of the property itself, the transaction, and the finer points of the purchase from offer to inspection to close. They’ll review hundreds of listings to find the ones that best fit your needs, and they’ll screen out problematic properties to save you time and heartache.

Selling a home is far more than writing a listing, entering it into MLS and writing up a contract. A qualified and committed agent will offer guidance in preparing your home for market; marketing it; and serving as liaison to other agents. They’ll network to ensure that buyers’ agents bring potential buyers to your property. They’ll troubleshoot, smooth out the speed-bumps along the way, and they’ll aggressively negotiate the terms of sale. Ask your agent during the interview process how they intend to sell your home and what strategies they will use to deliver the best results.

The real estate market has been steadily improving for several years now; particularly in Arizona. The Federal Reserve raised rates in December 2016 for only the second time since 2006. With a year over sales price increase of 5.9% and a 7.2% increase in sales growth, our strong local economy and population growth is projected to be one of the nation’s hottest markets in 2017. Millennials and Boomers are projected to fuel the next wave of buyer activity for the next ten years: we’re currently seeing a vigorous, healthy real estate market with a sustainable number of qualified buyers seeking to buy or upgrade.